Chondromalacia Patella: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments at Hwalgi Chan Neurosurgery
Hello. This is Hwalgi Chan Neurosurgery.
Have you ever experienced any of these?
“I feel a sharp, shooting pain in the front of my knee when climbing stairs or squatting.”
“My knees feel stiff when I stand up after sitting in the same position for a long time.”
“My knees make a clicking or popping sound whenever I bend them.”
These symptoms may be due to chondromalacia patella, a condition where the cartilage of the knee joint weakens.
It may sound unfamiliar, but it’s actually a common knee condition that many people experience.
Today, Hwalgi Chan Neurosurgery, a knee-specialized clinic in Changwon, will provide a detailed and informative explanation of chondromalacia patella.
What is Chondromalacia Patella?
Chondromalacia patella is a condition in which the cartilage under the patella (kneecap), located at the front of the knee, softens or becomes damaged.
The patella plays a central role in bending and straightening the knee. When the cartilage in this area wears down or softens, friction occurs with each knee movement, causing pain.
Medically known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, it commonly occurs in adolescent athletes and middle-aged women, as well as those in occupations that involve repetitive knee use.
Why Does Cartilage Weaken?
Chondromalacia patella often develops when the knee is subjected to continuous and repetitive stress.
Common causes include:
Knee Overuse
Repetitive movements such as hiking, jogging, stair climbing, and squatting can cause constant friction on the patella, leading to cartilage wear.
Lower Body Misalignment
Body imbalances like O-shaped legs, flat feet, knee varus/valgus deformities, and pelvic misalignment can place abnormal pressure on the patella.
Muscle Imbalance
Weakness or imbalance in the muscles on the front (quadriceps) and back (hamstrings) of the thigh can cause the patella to move along an abnormal path, damaging the cartilage.
Trauma or Post-Surgery
Past knee injuries, ligament damage, fractures, or a history of surgery can affect the cartilage and lead to chondromalacia patella.
Degenerative Changes in Cartilage
As people age, cartilage naturally thins and loses elasticity, which can result in chondromalacia patella.
Since various factors can cause this condition and symptoms can vary depending on an individual's body type and activity habits, an accurate diagnosis is crucial.
Our Changwon knee clinic provides customized cause analysis and treatment tailored to each patient's individual circumstances.
Common Symptoms of Chondromalacia Patella
The main symptoms of chondromalacia patella include:
Pain localized to the front of the knee
Clicking or popping sounds when bending or straightening the knee
Worsening pain when climbing stairs
Difficulty squatting or kneeling
Stiffness or pressure after prolonged knee bending
A feeling of the knee giving way momentarily when standing up
Pain is often more intense when using stairs because the load on the patella is much greater than on a flat surface.
If left untreated, cartilage damage can progress and worsen into knee osteoarthritis, making early treatment important.
How is it Treated?
At Hwalgi Chan Neurosurgery in Changwon, we take a step-by-step approach to treating chondromalacia patella, focusing on non-surgical treatments based on the patient's age, severity of symptoms, and cartilage damage status.
Medication
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Heat, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy are used to aid recovery.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
This non-invasive treatment delivers high-intensity shock waves to the damaged area to improve blood flow and stimulate cartilage regeneration.
The short treatment time and minimal disruption to daily life make it a popular option for busy professionals.
Injection Therapy
Injections of hyaluronic acid, PDRN, and prolotherapy can help restore cartilage function and effectively relieve pain.
Muscle Strengthening Exercises and Manual Therapy
Strengthening the muscles on the front of the thigh (quadriceps) is key. This improves patellar stability and knee support, reducing pressure on the cartilage.
Surgical Treatment (Arthroscopy)
If non-surgical treatments are ineffective or cartilage damage is severe, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to trim or transplant damaged tissue.
Can Chondromalacia Patella Be Prevented?
Chondromalacia patella is a preventable condition. Try incorporating the following lifestyle habits:
Reduce activities that strain the knees (squatting, kneeling, stair climbing)
Correct flat feet, O-shaped legs, and other body alignment issues with orthotics and assistive devices
Maintain joint stability with regular lower body strengthening exercises
Reduce knee strain by losing weight
Rest and seek medical attention immediately if you experience knee pain
Once damaged, knees are difficult to fully recover.
Therefore, especially if you repetitively use your knees, it is recommended to have regular check-ups to monitor their condition even if you do not have any symptoms.
Don't Ignore Your Knee Pain Anymore
Chondromalacia patella is not a condition that resolves on its own over time.
Leaving it untreated can worsen cartilage damage and lead to decreased joint function.
Hwalgi Chan Neurosurgery in Changwon offers personalized treatment based on individual conditions, using accurate diagnostic equipment and various non-surgical therapies.
If you experience discomfort or pain in the front of your knee, don't dismiss it as simple fatigue or a temporary symptom. We recommend getting a proper diagnosis to identify the underlying cause.
Hwalgi Chan Neurosurgery in Changwon is here to help make your daily life more active and comfortable.
Thank you.
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